MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- In response to escalating temperatures in SE Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services has released a set of guidelines to help residents handle the warm conditions.

They recommend staying hydrated, avoiding caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, seeking air-conditioned spaces and avoiding direct sun during peak heat hours. They also remind about the importance of undeerstanding how hot a car can reach; on an 80 degree day, in-car temperatures can reach triple digits in less than ten minutes.

Further, the department advised frequent checks on older relatives and neighbors who live alone and reiterated the potentially fatal risks of leaving individuals or pets in parked cars.

Residents are also encouraged to keep abreast of local weather updates for safe planning of outdoor activities.

The department highlighted particular risk groups for heat-related illnesses, including the young, the elderly, men, overweight individuals, those exerting themselves physically and those with specific health conditions.

A full list of recommendations can be found by clicking here. https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/climate/heat-safety.htm